Chapter Two

Haley and Conner walked to a small diner not far from the River Court and got breakfast. After devouring a stack of pancakes and bacon along with her coffee Haley was waiting on Conner to finally finish his waffles. As she waited she was hoping no one she knew would come in but luck wasn't on her side.

"Haley? I can't believe it's really you!" Brooke Davis said rushing towards her.

"Brooke! How are you?" Haley asked hugging her tight. It had been way to long since she had seen Brooke.

"I'm okay, what are you doing here?" Brooke asked taking a step back.

"I'm here to do a charity concert for the Police and Fire Fighters. I'll get V.I.P passes for you if you want," Haley said smiling.

"Hell yes! Last time I seen you preform was in California. Have you seen anyone else since you got here?"

"No, I'm hoping not to see too many familiar faces. Conner doesn't know about you know who and I'd like to keep it that way," Haley said quietly.

"Haley are you about ready?" Conner asked coming up behind her. "Oh, hey Brooke."

"Hi Conner," Brooke replied with a grimace. She tried to hide her dislike for the man but it wasn't easy.

"I'm ready if you are, Brooke we have to hang out before I leave," Haley said.

"Definitely, I'll call you," Brooke commented as they walked past her.

After grabbing a coffee and a bagel Brooke rushed back to her store, Clothes Over Bro's. She couldn't keep Haley being in town with a guy a secret, but she didn't want Nathan to know either, so she had to tell someone who could keep a secret.

"Hey, get your ass to the store NOW!" She shouted into the phone not waiting for an answer before she hung up.

Less than twenty minutes later a very confused Peyton Jagielski walked into the store. "What gives Brooke? I was kinda in the middle of something."

"Guess who's back and not alone."

"You?" Peyton asked not in the mood for games.

"No, Haley James! I just seen her and her whatever at the diner," Brooke said with distaste.

"Seriously? Does Nathan know? Why is she here? How long is she staying?" Peyton rushed out.

"Yea, seriously. I don't think so and I think it should stay that way. She's here for the charity concert so I'm assuming she'll leave right after," Brooke answered.

"Wow, I can't even believe she came back, let alone with someone. Poor Nathan, he never did sign the divorce papers did he?" Peyton asked frowning.

Haley couldn't just stand around and watch as the stage was put together. It gave her way too much time to think about her life here. Without giving it a thought she grabbed her purse and started for the bridge.

It didn't take long for Haley to get to where she was heading. She slowly walked up the steps and only hesitated slightly before she knocked on the door. It wasn't long before she heard heavy foot steps coming toward the door.

When the door opened Haley seen Lucas' eyes light up and she didn't hesitate before she threw her self into waiting arms. "Luke I'm so glad to see you," she murmured against his chest as he held her tight.

"Um, hi Hales," Lucas said softly hugging her. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to see my best friend," Haley replied.

Lucas let go of Haley and stepped back. No matter how much he wanted to be there for her, and be the best friend he used to be, he couldn't. "Haley, you shouldn't be here."

Haley watched as the light that was in his eyes when he opened the door dimmed. He looked tortured and it was then that she realized her mistake. Lucas was Nathan's brother, he should hate her. She didn't deserve his friendship, not after everything she did to his family.

"I'm sorry Luke, I shouldn't have come."

"Haley it's okay. Nathan isn't home right now but he does live here. I don't think he should see you," Lucas said looking sad.

"Yea, I understand. I'm sorry I came. I'm going to give Brooke your pass for the charity concert if you want to come. If you don't I understand. Good bye Luke," Haley said turning and walking away.

Her heart hurt but it was her fault. She was the one that left Nathan, her friends, and her family for a music tour. She now had fame and more money than she knew what to do with but she didn't have any of them. If it wasn't for Conner she would have no one and it was her own fault.